Good Morning! Long time lurker, first post. I picked up the guitar again after a 40-year layoff a year ago. I'm attempting to improve my jamming skills and was playing with the Alligator jam from 2-28-69 this morning. I'm learning theory and modes and spending time with Grateful Guitar Lessons. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Alligator jam? I'm approaching it as a V chord vamp, E Mixolydian (A major). I do know the e chord shares all over the neck, not quite sure how to use them. I understand what arpeggios are, but don't know how to use them either, or rather haven't practiced. Any particular arpeggios anyone would recommend? Any other thoughts on the jam? How do you approach it? Thanks!

Good Morning! Long time lurker, first post. I picked up the guitar again after a 40-year layoff a year ago. I'm attempting to improve my jamming skills and was playing with the Alligator jam from 2-28-69 this morning. I'm learning theory and modes and spending time with Grateful Guitar Lessons. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Alligator jam? I'm approaching it as a V chord vamp, E Mixolydian (A major). I do know the e chord shares all over the neck, not quite sure how to use them. I understand what arpeggios are, but don't know how to use them either, or rather haven't practiced. Any particular arpeggios anyone would recommend? Any other thoughts on the jam? How do you approach it? Thanks!

Im not sure abut alligator, but understanding the CAGED system helps putting the neck together. Here is a link to a video, Ian is great guy and also does some Dead lessons.

For years I always thought use of a particular scale or mode was an artistic choice to color one's approach. But now, I sort of reverse engineer it and look at the chords to determine what is the appropriate scale or mode. Its a subtle shift, but makes more sense to me.